The world is not funny but then again Years ago my mechanics were two brothers Their garage was a mile down Swamp Road One day (I was driving a loaner) I showed up To see what was taking them so long Just As I was pulling in here was the scene: The brothers were sitting …
Sanctimonious US Senators Condemn Hong Kong Police Ignoring Far More Brutal US Cops
The Senate, by a voice vote with no opposition yesterday passed a bill condemning the Hong Kong government and Hong Kong police for their brutal treatment of students in the supposedly autonomous Chinese city protesting threats to Hong Kong’s freedoms and it’s promise from China of self rule until 2047. The bill, if signed into …
Bolivia’s Foreseeable Coup
Did a coup d´état take place in Bolivia with the removal of President Evo Morales? Certainly, an internal coup was a major cause, along with a rebellion calling for Morales’ resignation. When the commander of the armed forces, backed by many generals, publically calls for the president to abdicate, that is an internal coup. …
Student Protesters are Walking a Tightrope in Hong Kong
It’s hard to know what to think about the student protests in Hong Kong. On the one hand they are incredibly inspiring. The courage, determination, brilliant organizing in the face of corporate blocking of the social media platforms that have been so critical early on to coordinating actions and rallying support, and the links that …
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I / we versus the idiots
It’s not your world, so stop complaining, you. Sometimes, yes, I call myself “you”. affectionately. You, Stop! (Nobody but me has the authority to stop my complaining.) Other times I refer to myself as “we”, as in, It’s not our world. . . (We’re so tired of having to explain ourselves! ) I don’t know …
When an Elected Government Falls in South America, as in Bolivia Today, Look For a US Role
When it comes to politics in Latin America, what initially seems clear is usually anything but. And when that some complicated political event happens and is reported about in the US, the last place to look for clarity is the US media, which almost universally parrots the Washington line — an imperialist one that takes …
Drones, Guns and Abject Heroes In America
A couple Saturdays ago I attended the monthly protest near the drone base located on what used to be the Willow Grove Naval Air Station in Horsham, PA, outside Philadelphia. The vigil has been going on monthly for a number of years, peopled by some of the most spiritual, peace-loving people I know. I’d say …
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Shadow
I’m a veteran Of WW3 I’ve got the scars and the stories To prove it And I’m signing up For another tour That is to say My soul signs me up Even though I haven’t Recovered from the last I limp I have night sweats I wake up gasping for air I bought myself a …
You Will Have Social Security Just like Your Parents and Grandparents — If You Fight to Keep It!
I was explaining to my 26-year-old son recently that while I’m continuing to work as a writer, because I waited until age 70 to begin collecting my Social Security benefits, I am now collecting almost $29,000 a year on top of what I earn doing my freelance journalism thing. He said, matter-of-factly, “Well, I …
Heading for the Hudson Valley
It’s been raining so hard lately The puddles have tides. The wind was booming in the trees Trying to get the house to move. I was in my car early Heading for the Hudson Valley Driving over fallen branches Until I turned onto the highway, Uncapped my thermos of coffee And settled in for the …